Congressional lawmakers have again included protections for states with medical marijuana programs—as well as several other cannabis-related provisions—in new spending legislation for Fiscal Year 2022. But while advocates are encouraged by the inclusion of the marijuana riders, which also includes language to prevent the penalization of universities that conduct cannabis research, they’re holding out hope that a broader provision is added later in the process to keep the Department of Justice from using its funds to interfere in the implementation of any state-level legalization law—including those that allow recreational use. There are two key House Appropriations bills that include language on marijuana issues that were approved in the subcommittee on Monday, and the full panel is set to take those measures up on Thursday. It remains to be seen whether lawmakers will push for an additional amendment in the full committee or on the floor to protect adult-use marijuana programs as well, as the House approved in 2019 and 2020. The provision was not attached to final bills sent to then-President Donald Trump’s desk, however, after they were not included in Senate versions that advanced when the chamber under Republican control.
Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 07/12/2021 15:37:00